Unlike corporate workers with full-time jobs, a significant number of creative and tech workers rely on freelance gigs or project-based contracts to earn a living. Most of the time, they don’t have to commute to work to do their job. At a glance, remote freelance work may not provide a stable income, but only if you don’t know where to look. There are dozens of freelance platforms on the internet, and as long as you have the skills, you will always find work.
What is It and Who Uses This Platform
Freelance platforms serve as a marketplace where individuals with specific skills can find work and clients seeking to hire those with particular skills. From now on, we will refer to each party as ‘freelancers’ and ‘clients’, respectively.
Freelancers are skilled workers who want to use their knowledge and skills to work. Generally, freelancers don’t really like the idea of a full-time job that requires a daily commute to the office, even though some freelance gigs do require you to commute or travel.
Additionally, freelancers possess a wide range of skills. Still, the vast majority of them are tech workers (programmers, UI/UX designers, software engineers, etc.), artists (including voice over talents and graphic designers), musicians (including vocalists, instrumentalists, songwriter, composer, arranger, and sound engineer), writers (including copywriter, content writer, and ghost writer), and translators.
Meanwhile, clients are the individuals who provide work to these freelancers. Most of the time, clients need a specific set of skills or services from freelancers in the form of a one-time purchase. However, more often than not, the client may also be looking for a temporary hire to work on a project, typically for a one-year period.
As to who can post on the platform depends on the platform itself. Sometimes, it’s the freelancers promoting themselves and showcasing their portfolios. Other times, it’s the client posting a job opening on the platform. Some other times, both freelancers and clients may post on the platform.
Any Tips Before I Jump to the Platform?
Before you become a freelancer, you must first identify what your skills are. Remember, what you offer on the platform is your skill, not just you as a worker. Next, create a portfolio that showcases your skills. You should include your best work to date and your most recent work in your portfolio, so that clients can get an idea of your skills.
After that, know your own worth. Don’t undervalue your skill, and most certainly never overvalue. Compare your portfolio with that of other freelancers and their pricing, so you can gain a good understanding of how clients would value your skills. Don’t forget to learn any kind of user agreement or terms of service provided by the platform before you agree to them.
So, Which Platform Should I Try?
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of freelance platforms you can find online. Here are some of the most popular ones.
Upwork
The vast range of projects and skills made this platform one of the best places for both freelancers and clients, whether veterans or newcomers. The projects offered here are a mix of both hourly gigs and fixed-price projects.
VGen
Known mainly in artists’ circles, this platform specializes in connecting artists with a wide range of clients, including but not limited to content creators, live streamers, and VTubers—live streamers who go live on stream using animated avatars.
Freelancer.com
Much like Upwork, Freelancer.com offers a wide variety of projects and services. What sets this freelance platform apart from the others is the bidding system. Freelancers submit their bids on a client-posted project. The client will review these bids and give the project to their preferred freelancer.
99designs
This platform specializes entirely in design services. Because of this, both the freelancers and the clients here are more curated compared to other platforms. 99designs offers various types of fixed-price design services tailored to clients’ specific needs.
TopTal
An exclusive freelance platform, TopTal connects clients with the top 3% of talent. Due to its exclusive status, TopTal is recognized as one of the most challenging platforms to gain entry into for freelancers. However, for clients, the talent provided by TopTal is guaranteed to be the best among the best.
Dribbble
Another platform specializing in design, Dribbble connects clients with talented designers worldwide. Besides being a freelancing platform, Dribbble also serves as a site for designers to showcase their work and share their portfolios.
PeoplePerHour
The UK-based platform offers a variety of talented freelancers for clients to choose from. Their AI-powered algorithm helps clients connect with freelancers whose talent is most suitable for the project they are posting.
Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, these seven platforms offer the flexibility, tools, and global reach to help you take control of your career—on your own terms.
By choosing the right platform for your skills and goals, you can unlock new opportunities, work from anywhere, and enjoy the freedom that freelancing brings. Ready to dive in? The world of remote work is just a click away.